2020 Chateau La Dominique Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Vinous/Antonio Galloni 96 – “The 2020 La Dominique is eye-opening. Warm, dry summer weather caused natural dehydration on the vine, which in turn yielded a Dominique of unusual depth and concentration. Yields were 38 hectoliters per hectare, as opposed to 50 in 2019 and 46 in 2018, which seems to work so well in giving the 2020 an extra bit of everything. Even with all its richness, the 2020 remains bright and full of energy. Red-toned fruit, pomegranate, cinnamon, menthol and rose petal all open effortlessly, but it is the wine’s sheer textural resonance that impresses most. Tasted next to the 2018 and 2019, the 2020 is quite simply on another level. It is a superb effort from the team led by General Manager Gwendeline Lucas and Technical Director Yann Monties.”

Decanter/Georgina Hindle 96 – “Lovely rich aromatic expression on the nose, so fragrant and full. Sleek and streamlined, a gorgeous texture, confident but charming, silky with a soft grip from the tannins but really well integrated with dark bramble fruits, licorice and stone elements. It feels as if it’s a little shy right now, not really giving its full expression but this stands out for the excellent acidity and purity of fruit. Well detailed and nuanced with toasted oak, tobacco and clove. Confident winemaking on show.”

Decanter/Jane Anson 96 – “Sleek dark cocoa bean, liqourice, violet, cassis, damson and black cherry fruit, with succulent edges of grilled cedar and tobacco. This is a great wine in the vintage, one of the real stars of St Emilion. Tasted twice, thoroughly impressed with the quality, texture, weight and lift of this wine.”

Jeb Dunnuck 95 – “The 2020 Château La Dominique is a normal blend of 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s certainly in line with the 2018 and 2019, and if anything, can be thought of as a hypothetical mix of the two vintages, offering more precision and focus than the 2018 and more voluptuousness than the ethereal 2019. Gorgeous cassis and black raspberry fruits along with notes of bouquet garni, graphite, and chocolate define the bouquet, and it has some classic salty mineral nuances imparted by limestone, yet still brings an almost Pomerol-like mid-palate and density. With integrated tannins, wonderful freshness, and a great finish, I’d be thrilled to have bottles in the cellar.”

Jeff Leve/Wine Cellar Insider 95 – “The perfume, with its white and red flowers, cherries, licorice, smoke, espresso and smoke is gorgeous. Medium-bodied, soft, silky and fresh, the wine provides layers of vibrant, sweet, clean, pure, red pit fruits, black plums, earth, roasted coffee, smoke and chocolate on the palate, which is perfect for its elegant stylings. This is clearly a top vintage for La Dominique. Drink from 2025-2050.”

Neal Martin/Vinous (93-95) – “The 2020 La Dominique presents a nose of red and black fruit, subtle hints of fireside ash, and even a faint hint of Christmas cake in the background, all well defined and focused. The medium-bodied palate offers a sapid entry, crisp acidity and flavors of blackberry plus touches of tobacco and smoke, maintaining fine delineation all the way through to the finish. This is a step up from recent vintages, a testament to the changes that have been implemented at the estate. La Dominique is back!”